Overview:

• Islam is the state religion.

• Existential recognition is only extended to the belief system of Islam while legal registration is offered to all other belief systems, denominations, and their communities and organisations.

• It seems that much discrimination and persecution comes from the social settings; social upheavals and ostracisms occurring in the country are likely caused by lack of education and lack of acceptance of diversity which is in turn caused by lack of equal recognition.

• The requirements for registration are restrictive, particularly concerning is the requirement of a recommendation from a local government representative which places undue restriction on the registration process and broader scope for the government to deny applicants unjustly.

Positive elements:

• There is a registration system set in place although it requires improvements in order to make it more receptive and ultimately dynamic.

Recommendations:

• Create a separate system and distinct procedures for registration of religion or belief from secular entities.

• Establish one agency to deal with religious recognition and registration in order to processes.